Former base for archive purpose only. Not active anymore
Camp Bucca used to be one of the most important facilities operated by the United States of America in Iraq. It played a major role due to its primary mission – hosting some of the most dangerous prisoners of war. The facility was an internment one and was established close to one of the most important ports in Iraq – Umm Qasr. The site was so wide that it hosted more than 20,000 prisoners during the few years of the invasion.
Mission
Camp Bucca had a clear and concise mission that never changed during its short history. In an attempt to capture Saddam Hussein and as many Iraqi officials as possible, the United States of America required a few huge detention facilities. The one at Umm Qasr was just one of the largest ones. Although its mission was to host the prisoners of war, the press has revealed multiple abuses performed by American military troops over the defenseless prisoners. Many of them were physically, psychically and sexually abused. Although many pictures reached the media, no action was taken against the abusers.
History
The history of Camp Bucca begins as Camp Freddy. It was not owned by the United States of America, but by the British troops. The mission was the same – hosting the prisoners of war. The facility was handed over to the American troops in 2003. Although the mission remained the same, the name was changed to what it is today in the memory of the fire marshal that was killed during the deadly attacks over World Trade Center, on September, 11-th, 2011. He became the only fire marshal to be killed in action at the NYC department. Ronald Bucca was registered with the 800-th Brigade too.
A more important scandal including sexual offenses against the Iraqi prisoners of war took place at the camp from Abu Ghraib. Many of the traumatized prisoners were then transferred to Camp Bucca. The leadership was changed and the scandals immediately ceased. Although the early years of this detention facility didn’t bring in too many rewards and good reputation, its latest years turned it into a role model facility. The prisoners were hosted at better housing facilities, while they could also take various courses. They were allowed to practice a few sports, get visits from their family members and benefit from a few other facilities, such as tea or cigarettes. The camp also hosted a professional hospital maintained by the United States Army. It had multiple clinics and sections to cover as many problems as possible.
Camp Bucca saw a lot of rockets during its few years of existence. The authorities decided to shut it down in 2009. It was one of the major victories of the Iraqi people. The base was given back to the Iraqi government in 2010. The missile attacks were stopped right away. During the same day, the Iraqi government gave a local company – Kufan Group – the chance to invest in this installation and turn it into a logistics center for the nearby port.
